Connemara is a beautiful green but rugged area in County Galway along the west coast of Ireland. It is a sparsely populated area that is a favorite of photographers because of its rugged beauty and its quaint towns which make great shots for the numerous coffee table books of Connemara.
Connemara is dominated by twelve mountain peaks called the Twelve Bens. Many walkers use the Twelve Bens as navigational aids. Your guide will explain to you about the people and the customs of this traditional area where Gaelic is frequently heard in pubs and on the streets.
In spots, the Burren looks more like the surface of the moon than the earth. Here grey limestone terraces literally rose up from the floor of the ocean. Deceptive in its barrenness, the Burren is one of the most fascinating areas in Ireland for the naturalist. Growing side-by-side are alpine plants such as the mountain avens and warm weather species such as the maidenhair fern. The limestone is permeated with caves which carry water away from the surface to the lowland rivers where it emerges again only below sea-level.
But the Burren is not just fascinating to geologists and botanists. There are many misty legends surrounding this area, with its abundance of antiquities dating from prehistoric to medieval times. The Burren is believed to have been considered sacred ground by ancient Celtic tribes. Supporting this belief are the many Dolmens, megalithic monuments dating from about 2500 B.C.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Shannon Airport to your accommodation in Westport. This normally takes about 3 hours depending on traffic A briefing will be given about the coming week’s tour in the lounge area. Dinner is served at 7 pm.
Day 2: A 45 minute transfer to Connemara for your first hike. Starting on a back country lane the hike moves gently uphill along a bog track rising to a height of 900 feet. This area is known as Mam Ean which translates to “Pass of the Birds”. Leaving the pass behind the track goes downhill and enters the Inagh Valley. The last 3 miles is on a country lane and finishes by the shores of Lough Inagh. Distance 9 miles, ascent 900 feet, time 4 hours.
Day 3: The group will visit Connemara today and start at the Connemara National Park. This is a very interesting center and you will clearly see for yourself the development of the bog. After an hour you will begin the hike, which is located within the confines of the park itself. A gradual good track leads you uphill to the summit of Diamond Hill. At 1450 feet the views of the surrounding countryside are wonderful to see. Distance 9 miles, ascent 1500 feet, time 4 hours.
Day 4: You are driven east towards the county town of Castlebar to visit the Museum of Country life at Turlough Park. This will give you an unique insight into Ireland’s past and the 2 hours you spend there should be very enjoyable. Afterwards you hike a section of a very old pilgrim route that ran to Croagh Patrick Mountain. By mid afternoon, you will be finished and will have an opportunity for some shopping in Westport town. Distance 5 miles, ascent 300 feet, time 3 hours.
Day 5: At 9:30 am the minivan departs for Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. This will take about two and a half hours. By lunchtime you will be checked into the Royal Spa Hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is free to spend as you choose. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants with music offered most nights from 9:30 onwards.
Day 6: Today is spent in the western Burren. This five hour walk will ascend to the higher regions of the area along medieval routes. The walk towers over the pre-glacial river valleys of the Burren with spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Time 5 hours, ascent 1000 feet.
Day 7: This day will be spent in the eastern Burren. This is a four hour walk off the beaten track, crossing limestone paths with only wild goats for company. The route encompasses a variety of Burren habitats including limestone pavements, hazel Scrubland and Turlough banks, giving you an insight into the area’s unique flora and fauna. Time 4 hours, ascent 800 feet. Your guide in the Burren is a local man who farms the area.
Day 8: After breakfast you will be taken to Shannon Airport for your flight home. Please do not book your return home flight before 12 noon.
2008 Dates: April 26-May 3, June 7-14.
Meeting Point: Shannon Airport or Westport Train Station. Transfers are included at pre-set time.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking over dirt tracks, back country roads, some boggy areas and limestone rock. Ascents up to 1500 feet.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,200 per person, shared.
$300 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights Hotel B&B accommodation
- 5 days guided walking
- Breakfast each day
- Lunch on walking days
- 5 dinners
- Guide
- Transfers to and from Shannon Airport
- Transport to Lisdoonvarna and all associated transport to and from each days hike
- Tax.
Price Excludes:
- Drinks.
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